Earnest Hudson was born in 1964 in Dublin, Georgia. Although he is French by heritage, he grew up immersed in the city’s Irish-influenced culture. His father worked as an accountant before becoming a preacher, which led the family to move several times during Hudson’s childhood. In 1980, they settled in Mobile, Alabama, where Hudson lived for more than two decades.
Hudson joined the U.S. Navy in 1982, where he served as a stationary engineer and engineman. After completing his service, he transitioned into senior leadership roles, overseeing multiple high-rise buildings in Mobile. He later became director of engineering at the RSA Tower, the tallest building in Alabama, at 45 stories tall.
In 2003, Hudson married his wife, Yvonne, who is from Trinidad. The couple later relocated to Seattle, where Hudson spent 22 years overseeing properties and managing engineers. Over a 24-year period, he served as director of engineering for Hyatt, Marriott, Prometheus, Holland Partner Group, the University of Washington and others.
Hudson stepped away from teaching in 2024 after a serious car accident that required an extended recovery. Following his recovery, he returned to the classroom with a renewed commitment to mentoring new engineering minds. He applied for an HVAC instructor position and joined Colorado Mesa University, where he now teaches and mentors students entering the engineering field.
Hudson's teaching style focuses on meeting students where they are at and adjusting instruction to support their individual learning styles. He incorporates the VARK teaching instruction platform. Students often come to recognize his strong commitment to their success, and Hudson encourages them to trust the process as he works closely with them throughout the program.